When to consider appointing a professional attorney With continuing advances in modern medicine, we are living longer than ever before and, while we are able to keep our bodies healthy and fit into older age, often our minds cannot keep pace. A power of attorney provides an additional means of support among those you…
Ensuring your home passes as you choose Although property values have suffered recently, house prices continue to rise faster than most other investments and property is often the most valuable asset in someone’s estate when they die. But it is also a home and may need to remain a home for a surviving partner,…
Witnessing of Wills and LPA services go digital Isolation during the coronavirus pandemic has meant more people are relying on digital services to get things done while keeping safe at home – and government institutions have been adapting to cope with these changes. During July, two key developments were announced which affect people making…
Why use a legal expert for an estate administration? Like many government organisations, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Services (HMCTS) has been increasing its digital services over the past few years as it aims to provide a more streamlined system for probate registries. While the online service provides an option for executors and…
Worried about a vulnerable person during the Covid-19 lockdown? As the UK’s coronavirus lockdown measures turn from weeks to months, concern over its effects on vulnerable and elderly people is mounting. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 per cent increase in requests for help, but many people do not associate…
Death comes to us all – let’s talk about it With the coronavirus death toll in the media on a daily basis, people are talking about death much more than usual and the subject is losing its taboo. In 2011 the first ‘Death Café’ was held in the UK to provide an opportunity for…
Coronavirus FAQs regarding wills and powers of attorney – 01 April 2020 The continuing effects of coronavirus remain uncertain. Understandably, many people are concerned about its potential impact upon them and their loved ones. Clare Moreton, wills, trusts and estate planning solicitor with Viewpoint Hill & Abbott Solicitors in Chelmsford has put together some…
Who decides on my care arrangements if I have no power of attorney? ‘It is not a good idea to put off making a lasting power of attorney, as there might come a day when it is not possible to do so,’ explains Clare Moreton a private client solicitor with Viewpoint Hill & Abbott Solicitors…
Information to gather for your probate solicitor As executor of the estate, it is your responsibility to ensure your probate solicitor has all the information necessary to administer the estate. The amount of information will depend on the complexity of the deceased person’s various assets and investments and how well organised they were with their…
New organ donation law: giving you control Around 6,000 people in the UK are on the transplant waiting list; and in 2018 alone, at least one person a day died while waiting for a transplant, according to the NHS. New laws on organ donation consent are coming into force in Spring 2020 which the government…